If anything, Texas lawmakers and state officials were wondering what took Al Armendariz so long.

“The public expects an effective and professional approach to addressing their concerns about their water supply and air quality — not the politically-motivated approach that I hope is gone with the resignation of EPA political appointee Al Armendariz,” said Rep. Michael Burgess, R-Lewisville, who had called for Armendariz to be fired for using the word “crucify” in 2010 to describe how he would go after companies violating environmental laws.

Armendariz, the Obama administration’s EPA regional director for Texas and five other states in the oil-rich region, resigned after Republicans condemned him for his remarks that were repellent to Christian conservatives and energy companies alike.

“The mastermind behind a radical job-killing agenda in Texas met the fate he tried to impose on energy sector employers across the state,” said Attorney General Greg Abbott. “Texas looks forward to working more productively with his successor to both promote economic development and preserve our environment–hopefully with less litigation and more cooperation.”

Attorney General Greg Abbott (AP photo)

Rep. Mike Conaway, a Midland Republican called for a change in direction in the regional EPA office, asking EPA administrator Lisa Jackson to appoint “a less divisive administrator that is capable of better working with the communities and businesses of Texas.”

“Administrator Armendariz’s comments reflect a vindictive culture within EPA Region 6 that is driven more by ideology than science,” Conaway said. “It is no secret in Texas, the heart of America’s oil and gas industry, that the EPA has become a petty, arbitrary, and demagogic organization. Mr. Armendariz comments reflect not only a lack of discipline but an inability to separate personal opinions from the public responsibility.”

Updated: Here’s reaction from Rep. Bill Flores, R-Bryan:

“I was relieved to hear to Administrator Armendariz has stepped down, especially given the abrasive and divisive approaches that he used during his tenure. This is yet another example of how unelectable, unaccountable and out of control bureaucrats continue to flaunt the rule of law and let their personal beliefs cloud their judgment. Last week, I signed two separate letters asking for the resignation of Armendariz, and I am proud to see that those efforts were successful. Republicans in Congress have and will continue to hold this Administration accountable.”

And more from Rep. Pete Olson, R-Sugar Land:

“Administrator Armendariz was right to step down. Region VI has been under assault from a hostile EPA under his leadership. From the unjust targeting of energy producer Range Resources, to the federal takeover of Texas air permitting, Armendariz has demonstrated a pattern of hostility toward energy producers and a bias in favor of political environmentalists. This is not the proper role for the EPA.

“Region VI needs a reasonable and effective regulator who has experience understanding the harmful economic impacts that overreaching regulations can have on the very industry we rely on to keep American running – not an academic with a political agenda.”